It usually starts with a sound. A strange rush of water, maybe a pop. Then, panic. Water everywhere. When a pipe bursts, it doesn’t wait for a convenient time. That’s why knowing how to handle a burst pipe before help arrives can save your home from major damage and stress.

We’ve seen it all at Acute Plumbing Care, and we want you to be ready, not panicked.

Step One: Shut Off the Water—Fast

The first step is to locate your main shut-off valve. It’s typically near the water meter, often in the garage, utility room, or outside near the foundation. Turn it clockwise to shut the water off completely.

If you can’t find it, don’t waste time. Call a residential plumber in Greenville, TX, like us, and we’ll walk you through it on the phone.

Step Two: Power Down Where Needed

If water is leaking near electrical outlets, switches, or appliances, turn off the power in that area at your breaker box. Don’t touch wet appliances or cords. Water and electricity are a dangerous combo.

Step Three: Open Faucets and Drain the System

Once the main water is off, turn on cold water taps in sinks and tubs. This relieves pressure in the system and drains out any remaining water. If you have time, flush your toilets to empty the tanks.

This won’t stop the leak, but it helps slow the spread of water and gives you a bit of control.

Step Four: Start Cleanup Immediately

Use towels, buckets, mops, anything you have, to soak up standing water. The goal is to prevent further damage to floors, furniture, and walls. If you’ve got a wet/dry vacuum, now’s the time to pull it out.

Even if you act fast, moisture can still creep into places it doesn’t belong. That’s why we always recommend calling a licensed plumbing company in Greenville, Texas, as soon as possible.

Step Five: Try a Temporary Fix

If the burst pipe is visible and you can safely reach it, wrap it tightly with plumber’s tape, rags, or even duct tape to slow the leak. You can also clamp a piece of rubber over the hole using a C-clamp or hose clamp.

These quick fixes won’t hold forever, but they might buy you enough time until your plumber arrives.

What If It’s a Clogged Drain Instead?

Sometimes, a blocked pipe causes backflow and pressure buildup. If you’re also dealing with a slow sink or gurgling drain, it could be tied to the issue. In that case, we also offer expert clogged drain repair services alongside burst pipe solutions.

We’re On Call—So You Don’t Have to Panic

At Acute Plumbing Care, we’ve been helping homeowners like you for over 30 years. When pipes burst or drains back up, we’re the residential plumber that Greenville trusts to get the job done right, fast.

Need help now? Call us at 903-886-6680.

We show up when we say we will. Our vans are stocked, and we don’t leave until the job’s done right. When the unexpected happens, we’ve got your back.